Kearney leaving as O'Malley aide

Sun reporter
January 11, 2008

Article tools

Steve Kearney, a longtime top aide to Gov. Martin O'Malley, will leave the administration next week to launch a public affairs firm in Baltimore.

Kearney, save for a brief stint as spokesman for the Archdiocese of Baltimore five years ago, has been at the center of O'Malley's political rise from city councilman to mayor to governor. He will join Damian O'Doherty, a former top aide to Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith Jr., in the new firm.

"I think I've reached the point where it's time for a new challenge, and after the special session, it seemed like good timing," Kearney said. "It's something I've been interested in - building a company - and I've reached the point where I think I can do more for my family, my church and my community by doing this."

Kearney O'Doherty Public Affairs will apply campaign-style tactics, such as grass-roots organizing and crisis communications, to public relations, Kearny said.

Kearney is the second major figure in the administration to leave. Former Intergovernmental Affairs Director Josh White, O'Malley's former campaign manager, is lobbying for Rifkin, Livingston, Levitan and Silver in Annapolis.

O'Malley spokesman Rick Abbruzzese will serve as interim communications director until a permanent replacement is made, the governor's office said.

More articles

Copyright © 2008, The Baltimore Sun

Would you recommend this?

Rate it:
No Somewhat Neutral Yes Highly
Type in your comments to post to the forum
Name
(appears on your post)
Comments
Type the numbers you see in the image on the right:
Please note by clicking on "Post Comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.
Baltimoresun.com's new school closings database is designed to provide up-to-date, easy-to-access information in the event of inclement weather.

Find out if your school is participating and sign up for e-mail or text message alerts here.

General Assembly
Complete coverage of the 2008 General Assembly session with news, video and blog updates daily.
In the news:
5 from Parkville killed in crash | Child welfare woes
American Brewery renovation | MdTA officer killed
baltimoresun.com message boards
Talk about local news in our online forums
Police Blotter
A sampling of crime briefs from police reports in Baltimore City and Baltimore County

ADVERTISEMENT

Search Classifieds

JOBS   CARS   HOMES   SHOP

Other Features

  • Events
  • Contests
  • Special Sections
  • Fifty Plus

Featured Video Advertisers

ADVERTISEMENT

Sun coverage: Religion in the news

Sun coverage: Religion in the news

Sun coverage of stories pertaining to religion, including the appointment of Edwin F. O'Brien as the replacement for Cardinal William H. Keeler.

My Maryland
Submit photos from around the state and view those from other readers
Also see: Charm Cityscapes

Reader videos | Talk forums | Trivia quizzes